Hello
Peter Owen-Smith
Hello there. I am an author and book reviewer who is a fan of crime and spy stories.
ABOUT
For the last five years before I retired, I worked as a police civilian, supporting investigators in the Professional Standards Department, which handles complaints and misconduct matters.This taught me about investigative procedures, suspect interviews, and collecting/processing crime scene exhibits.I completed a creative writing course run by Oxford University in 2012, and for the last two years, Ali Shaw, a published author and writing mentor, has helped me improve and polish my writing.In 2000, at Wolfson College, Cambridge, I produced a ninety-page dissertation, ‘Crime Spotting,’ a comparative study of the history and development of fingerprints and DNA
profiling. I hope to publish this at a future date.
WRITING
I’m a writer crafting a trilogy of crime novels, and my first book, ‘The Night Murders’, is due to be published in April 2026.
My love for crime and spy stories shines through in my work, and I truly hope my tales will captivate and enthral you. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just curious about the genre, I can't wait for you to join me on this exciting journey!
Stay tuned for more updates.
Available now on Amazon
THE NIGHT MURDERS
When DCI Joe Scipio is assigned to head up the new West Midlands Cold Case Review Team, he faces the biggest challenge of his career.Two seemingly unrelated cases, a murdered young woman and a missing teenage prostitute, lead straight to a cover-up by former senior officers who have buried the case files and hidden the related evidence.When Scipio finds that information is being leaked to his boss, Chief Superintendent Julie Pope and the Security Services, the stakes get raised.With the support of a reliable partner, Scipio navigates a critical breakthrough with the aid of forensic scientists and ‘off the books’ help. The big question is, can he prevent the villains from escaping justice?
22 May 2026 - Review by Suzanne Collins:The Night Murders: A Scipio Mystery is a gripping and highly satisfying mystery novel that pulls readers into a dark and suspenseful world from the very beginning. Peter Owen Smith delivers the kind of story mystery lovers crave tense, intelligent, and filled with enough intrigue to keep the pages turning late into the night.What immediately stood out to me was the atmosphere. Even before the mystery fully unfolds, there’s a strong sense of unease and tension hanging over the story that perfectly matches the title. The novel creates that classic murder mystery feeling where danger always feels close and every conversation or discovery seems to carry hidden meaning. That mood kept me invested throughout the entire book.The mystery itself is handled with real skill. Rather than relying on cheap twists or rushed reveals, the story builds steadily, layering clues, questions, and suspicion in a way that invites readers to think alongside the investigation. I enjoyed trying to piece things together and second guessing my own theories as the plot developed. The suspense feels earned, and the unfolding truth carries genuine impact.Scipio makes for a compelling central figure, bringing intelligence and determination to the investigation while still feeling human and believable. I appreciated that the character isn’t simply solving puzzles from a distance but is emotionally and intellectually involved in untangling the darker elements of the case. Strong protagonists often make or break mystery novels, and this book benefits greatly from having a lead worth following.The pacing also deserves praise. The story moves confidently without feeling rushed, balancing investigative detail with moments of tension and revelation. Every chapter seemed to deepen the mystery or raise the stakes, making it difficult to stop reading. The shorter length works to the book’s advantage because it keeps the narrative focused and engaging while still delivering a fully developed mystery.Another strength is the writing style itself. Peter Owen Smith keeps the prose clear and immersive, allowing the mystery and atmosphere to take center stage. There is enough detail to bring scenes to life without slowing momentum, and the dialogue helps build both character and suspense naturally.What I enjoyed most about The Night Murders is that it captures the spirit of a classic mystery while still feeling fresh and contemporary. It respects readers enough to let the puzzle unfold gradually and rewards patience with strong storytelling and satisfying tension.For readers who enjoy crime fiction, murder investigations, and suspenseful mysteries with atmosphere and intelligence, The Night Murders: A Scipio Mystery is absolutely worth picking up. Dark, engaging, and difficult to put down, this is a memorable mystery and a well earned 5-star read.
BOOK REVIEWS
Recent 5 Star reads
Everything she didn‘t say – Jane CaseyThis is Jane Casey at her best! What a wonderful concept: Ruth telling her story and taking detectives along as they investigate further to establish whether another girl, Maura, is fiction or fact.Detectives follow up on conflicting stories and try to locate missing individuals. Whose story is true, and who is hiding the facts?
A typical, well-written, nail-biting Jane Casey novel with plenty of clues, but the ending amazed me. Brilliant!A cracking story, and one that cannot fail to delight the reader.My best 5-star read of 2026.The Break in – Katherine FaulknerA suspenseful novel not to be missed. The twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the end.The reveals are timely throughout, and an author I will read again. The narrative flowed and proved to be a gripping read as the clues brought a new perspective and the next question.... what is going on? A 5-star read!Dead to me by Gytha Lodge“Hold your breath. A great read”
Anna is chasing a story about a suspicious death amongst the elite world of Cambridge. The more she investigates, the more there's to find out and who to believe.Lots of red herrings and questions about who to believe and what are the facts.One person she needs to talk to is her ex-boyfriend but she can’t reach him. Will he save her when she needs him most? The climax is worth waiting for. A cracking page turner with multiple questions the reader needs to work through as Anna investigatesThe Day I lost You by Ruth Mancini“A first-rate thriller”
Who can you believe and what do you think? The stories of three main people are intertwined and keeps the reader questioning what is true and what is false—gripping right up to the final pages.
Another Ruth Mancini cracking read. 5 star!No Safe Place by Hannah Brennan“I never saw this coming”This line was included partway through the story, and I agree; I didn’t see the line that would lead to the killer. A great concept and superbly executed. The book provides a deeper understanding of the various types of OCD and gives the reader a better insight, which can often elude a lay person who has little or no exposure to the issues brought on by OCD.Pacing and plot were ‘spot on’ and included realistic scenarios which fitted with the storyline.An author I will look out for and read again. 5 Star!OTHER 5 STAR BOOKSThe house on Otley Road by Rosa SilvermanTwo murders, twenty years apart, created a superb setting for the book.
After someone murdered the first student, the case remained unsolved until the second murder occurred twenty years later.
The scene setting is first class, and most readers will relate to the scenario of a student house with student life.
The narrative moves between two years, presenting the reader with the facts and swings back and forth, bringing suspects forth for the reader to consider.
When they send a journalist who reported on the first murder to cover the story, she becomes a key player in the investigation.
A well-paced, excellently written story which went along at a steady pace. Well worth reading.
Contact
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